Dr. Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development, has encouraged primary and secondary schools to adopt the recently introduced School Business Units (SBUs) initiative.
He emphasized that SBUs bring numerous benefits to both learners and the community by ensuring proper nutrition, generating income for schools, and instilling a business mindset in students. The programme gained momentum in April when Professor Jiri visited Nketa High School to observe its flourishing chicken rearing, carrot, and cabbage farming projects. Nketa High School Headmistress Levhuwani Muchemedzi highlighted that the school has three hectares of arable land primed for the SBU, with 700 tomato plants, 2,000 cabbages, and 2,000 onions already growing, and plans to add 2,000 carrot plants. These projects not only equip students with valuable agricultural skills but also provide fresh produce to the local community.
The SBU initiative is part of the Government’s Rural Development 8.0 model, which aims to eradicate poverty in all its forms. By 2025, the Government plans to establish 9,600 SBUs across the country. This programme empowers schools to be financially sustainable through innovative and productive agricultural projects driven by green energy. In addition to promoting sustainability, SBUs offer hands-on learning opportunities in agriculture, animal husbandry, and resource management through initiatives such as nutritional gardens, fish ponds, and indigenous poultry farming.
SBUs offer a range of benefits. They improve student nutrition by providing fresh produce, which supports the Government’s School Feeding Programme and enhances learners’ energy, concentration, and academic performance. The programme also equips students with entrepreneurial skills, as they participate in farming, marketing, and you sales activities. This practical experience fosters a business mindset and prepares students for careers in agriculture, entrepreneurship, or other fields. Financially, SBUs help schools become self-sustaining by generating income from the sale of excess produce, which can be used for infrastructure upgrades and educational materials. Furthermore, SBUs promote community engagement by fostering partnerships with local farmers, businesses, and organizations, contributing to the development of vibrant, sustainable communities.
Beyond these benefits, SBUs, along with Village and Youth Business Units, play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, while cultivating a culture of hard work and self-sufficiency in learners.
